Interview experience:
The recruitment process was polite, but several essential aspects of the role were not disclosed by those involved in the hiring process.
What was not communicated during recruitment:
The position included taking over EU-funded projects that were already significantly behind schedule and operating with very limited resourcing, including minimal or no project management office (PMO) support.
What happened in practice:
After starting in the role, I was assigned these delayed projects. I stabilised them and received positive feedback from external partners for improved coordination and collaboration.
When another employee in a comparable role returned from parental leave, the project responsibilities were reassigned, and my employment was terminated during the probation period.
Outcome:
Because I left a permanent and stable position based on incomplete information and was then released during probation, I lost my previous job and became unemployed. The actual circumstances of the role differed materially from what had been presented during the recruitment process.
Summary:
The lack of clarity during the recruitment phase created a significant, unexpected professional risk and led to what, in retrospect, became a highly detrimental career decision. Candidates should ensure they receive full and transparent information about project responsibilities, available support structures, and any upcoming organisational changes before accepting an offer.
